Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

3

Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA.

4

Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA.

5

Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

6

Comparative Effectiveness, Cost and Outcomes Research Center, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

7

Seattle Quality of Life Group, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

A cornerstone of patient-centered outcome research is direct patient involvement throughout the research process. Identifying and prioritizingresearchtopics is a critical but often overlooked point for involvement, as it guides what research questions are asked. We assess the feasibility of involving individuals with low back pain in identifying and prioritizingresearchtopics using two approaches: an existing patientregistry and an online crowdsourcing platform. We compare and contrast the diversity of participants recruited, their responses, and resources involved.

METHODS:

Eligible participants completed a survey ranking their five highest priority topics from an existing list and supplying additional topics not previously identified. We analyzed their responses using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

RESULTS:

The patientregistry yielded older (mean age 72.4), mostly White (70%), and well-educated (95% high school diploma or higher) participants; crowdsourcing yielded younger (mean age 36.6 years), mostly White (82%), and well-educated (98% high school diploma or higher) participants. The two approaches resulted in similar research priorities by frequency. Both provided open-ended responses that were useful, in that they illuminate additional and nuanced researchtopics. Overall, both approaches suggest a preference towards topics related to diagnosis and treatment over other topics.

CONCLUSION:

Using a patientregistry and crowdsourcing are both feasible recruitment approaches for engagement. Researchers should consider their approach, community, and resources when choosing their recruitment approach, as each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. These approaches are likely most appropriate to supplement or to complement in-person and ongoing engagement strategies.